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Escape Tokyo for a day and discover the hidden charms of Karuizawa. Visit the Stone Church, stroll through Taliesin Park, and enjoy local gourmet at Harunire Terrace.

Highlights

• Experience Karuizawa’s hidden gems away from the usual tourist route
• Visit the breathtaking Stone Church, an architectural fusion of glass and nature
• Walk through Taliesin Park, home to lakes, museums, and lush gardens
• Enjoy local gourmet and café culture at Harunire Terrace
• Capture panoramic views from Usui Pass Observation Deck

Description

Escape the buzz of Tokyo and step into the peaceful alpine town of Karuizawa, a mountain retreat loved by artists, architects, and café lovers alike. This exclusive day trip blends scenic landscapes, forest sanctuaries, and European-inspired elegance — revealing a more authentic side of Karuizawa rarely seen by regular visitors. Begin with a scenic drive through Nagano’s highlands, where the air turns crisp and the views open to endless green mountains. The first stop is the Usui Pass Observation Platform, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley and the iconic Megane Bridge, an arched red-brick masterpiece from the Meiji era. It’s the perfect place to take in the scale and serenity of Japan’s mountain engineering heritage. Next, visit the Stone Church (Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Hall) — one of Karuizawa’s most striking hidden treasures. Designed by the visionary architect Kendrick Kellogg, this structure blends glass, stone, and sunlight into a spiritual harmony where architecture becomes part of the forest. A quiet stroll here feels like walking through a living sculpture. Continue to Karuizawa Taliesin Park, a lakeside retreat combining art, literature, and leisure. Wander around the serene Lake Shiozawa, explore art galleries, or visit the literary museum dedicated to poets who once lived in Karuizawa. It’s an ideal stop to relax, read, or simply breathe in the cool highland air. For lunch, unwind at Harunire Terrace, a picturesque riverside area with stylish wooden decks and cafés built among elm trees. Here, you can savor local specialties like freshly baked bread, Nagano honey soft cream, and mountain vegetable pasta — all while listening to the sound of the river flowing nearby. Before heading back, stop by Karuizawa Kogen Church, surrounded by tall cedars and soft sunlight filtering through leaves. The church is famous for its open-air design and tranquil wedding ceremonies that embody Karuizawa’s peaceful spirit. As the day ends, relax in your private car and enjoy the scenic drive back to Tokyo, carrying memories of forest light, architecture, and quiet luxury from one of Japan’s most elegant mountain towns.

Includes

Round-trip private transportation from Tokyo English-speaking driver Parking and highway tolls Tour guide Pickup and drop-off at your hotel

Easy cancellation

Annulation jusqu’à 24 heures à l’avance pour un remboursement intégral